This would beat the growth of the wider soft drinks market, which expanded by 1.6 per cent over the first half of the year, according to data from market researchers Nielsen.

‘Our growth is well balanced across our core brands, all of which have responded positively to increased marketing activities,’ said the London-listed firm, one of the sponsors of the Commonwealth Games, which started in Glasgow this week.

AG Barr (up 9p to 632p) said that margins remain in line with management’s expectations, despite the increased investment in promotions and marketing.